Archakas oppose ropeway project

[Guest guest]

JOIN AND OPPOSE THE NAASTIKAS WHO ARE TRYING TO DESTROY OUR VEDIC CULTURE!

 

Source: The Hindu

(http://www.hinduonnet.com/2005/11/14/stories/2005111410240400.htm)

Andhra Pradesh

 

Archakas oppose ropeway project

 

Senior Reporter

`Decision is against religious sentiments of devotees'

 

Government urged to give respect to people's sentiments Employees too oppose the

decision Issue to be taken up with Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy

 

TIRUMALA: Tirumala temple archakas have strongly resented the Government's

decision to go ahead with the controversial ropeway project stating that it is

against the religious sentiments of devotees.

 

The archakas, who did not wish to identify themselves, have said that they have

no inhibitions what so ever with the developmental activities being envisaged

for the benefit of pilgrims. But, such activities should not hurt religious

sentiments. To substantiate their stand they have cited the `Ayyappa mala

deeksha' of Sabarimalai temple wherein devotees are compelled to lead a strict

and restricted life during the `deeksha' period. There is a strict restriction

on the dress code and food habits. Can anyone expect of any mentioning of these

things in `sastras' and `puranas'? they pointed out. They are only religious

beliefs and sentiments to which immense sanctity is being attached by devotees,

say the archakas.

 

 

Stress on sanctity

People of Kerala are so deeply attached to their presiding deity that they are

even averse to the idea of laying a road to the Sabarimalai temple fearing that

sanctity of the institution would be affected.

 

They have argued that even though the West Bengal is being ruled by Communists,

never did the Government interfere with the religious sentiments of the public.

 

Questioning the propriety behind the Government's decision when the TTD

management had already rejected the proposal, they have appealed to the

Government to take a practical approach towards the issue without affecting the

sentiments of scores of devotees of Lord Venkateswara.

 

 

Staff threaten stir

Leaders of various TTD employees' unions on Saturday criticised the Government's

decision on the ropeway. The leaders urged the Government to withdraw its

approval to the project failing which they would not hesitate to launch

agitation.

 

The leaders said they would take up the issue with Chief Minister Y.S.

Rajasekhara Reddy and explain him the practical problems involved in it.

 

Copyright: 1995 - 2005 The Hindu

Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly

prohibited without the consent of The Hindu